Symptoms of Chronic Bronchitis

The signs of chronic bronchitis mimic those of other such lung disorders. The following are the most commonly experienced symptoms for chronic bronchitis:

Persistent dry cough

Persistent wet cough

Productive coughing (produces phlegm)

Expectoration of mucus and sputum (phlegm)

Other symptoms of the disease include the following:

Prolonged exhalation

Respiratory infections

Heart failure

Diminished breathing sounds

Clogged bronchi

Narrowing of the bronchi

Blue lips and skin

Edema of the feet

Breathing difficulties

Wheezing

Dyspnea (shortness of breath)

Chest pain

Malaise

Fatigue

Usually, patients with chronic bronchitis do not develop shortness of breath for a number of years after continuous coughing and expectoration. Shortness of breath and other cardiac and pulmonary symptoms do not usually present themselves until the patient has suffered many years of sputum production and coughing.

It is important to consult your physician if you experience any of the above symptoms. It could be that you are seeing signs of a heart attack, chronic bronchitis or another serious medical emergency.

There are several tests that may be performed to test for chronic bronchitis:

Pulmonary function tests (PFT) are performed in patients with persistent coughs. These tests measure the lungs’ ability to properly exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide during inhalation and exhalation. PFTs are performed using a spiromtery, a tool to test lung function to measure how well the lungs receive, carry and use air.

Peak flow monitoring (PFM) is used to determine the fastest speed at which a person can exhale carbon dioxide out of his lungs. (People with chronic bronchitis, asthma, etc. have narrowed airways and therefore exhale slower).

Arterial blood gas (ABG) is measured by a blood test to evaluate how well the lungs are providing oxygen for the blood and removing carbon dioxide. The ABG measures the pH (acidity) level of the blood.

C-reactive protein blood count and white blood cell count, measured by a blood test. A blood test would signify any present inflammation if the levels of both the white blood cell count and the C-reactive protein are raised.

Pulse oximetry uses an oximeter, a small machine that determines the amount of oxygen present in the bloodstream.

Computed tomography scans (CT) use a combination of x-ray imaging and computers and produce cross-sectional spliced images of the internal bones, muscles, tissue, fat and organs. A CT scan would reveal more precise information about the presence, bodily impact and severity of chronic bronchitis.

High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) is a high resolution CT scan used to detect chronic bronchitis.

A sample of sputum would reveal the presence of neutrophil granulocytes (inflammatory white blood cells). When the airways of the lungs are irritated, they become inflamed and damaged, causing the presence of neutrophil granulocytes. Moreover, neutrophil granulocytes produce mucosal hypersecretion, a common sign of chronic bronchitis.